Photo of Audrey G Slaugh, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Audrey G Slaugh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Camarillo, CA 93010
Understanding that seeking therapy is sometimes very difficult, I aim to support you in finding this experience to be rewarding as you embrace your own self-knowledge and personal growth. I strive to create a safe place as we move together through an inner process of acceptance, compassion, healing and personal authenticity. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families healing life challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, co-occurring disorders, relationship issues and various life transitions.
Understanding that seeking therapy is sometimes very difficult, I aim to support you in finding this experience to be rewarding as you embrace your own self-knowledge and personal growth. I strive to create a safe place as we move together through an inner process of acceptance, compassion, healing and personal authenticity. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families healing life challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, co-occurring disorders, relationship issues and various life transitions.
(805) 702-7063 View (805) 702-7063
Maple Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Camarillo, CA 93012
Maple Counseling Center was created to meet the need for affordable, effective counseling. We accept Carelon, Gold coast, Medi-cal insurance and have sliding scale cash prices for those uninsured or not wanting to use their insurance. We consist of Marriage and Family Therapy Trainees, Associates and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist's. With 20 therapists to choose from we have someone to work with almost every need. See our website at www.maplecounseling.org so see profiles of our providers.
Maple Counseling Center was created to meet the need for affordable, effective counseling. We accept Carelon, Gold coast, Medi-cal insurance and have sliding scale cash prices for those uninsured or not wanting to use their insurance. We consist of Marriage and Family Therapy Trainees, Associates and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist's. With 20 therapists to choose from we have someone to work with almost every need. See our website at www.maplecounseling.org so see profiles of our providers.
(805) 429-6205 View (805) 429-6205

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oxnard, CA 93030  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(831) 276-0279 View (831) 276-0279
Photo of Katie Elizabeth Hutchinson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Katie Elizabeth Hutchinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
If you are ready to get better, I am here to help you! I am extremely empathic which is great for clients (not so great for me, ha) I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders and couples therapy, I can help you to better understand yourself. Without even being aware of it, many of us recreate the same destructive patterns in life over and over again. Through the process of therapy, these patterns can be broken and a new and happy you can take hold. But you won't feel better without first understanding what makes you do the things you do. I do zoom, phone and in-person sessions. I look forward to speaking with you!
If you are ready to get better, I am here to help you! I am extremely empathic which is great for clients (not so great for me, ha) I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders and couples therapy, I can help you to better understand yourself. Without even being aware of it, many of us recreate the same destructive patterns in life over and over again. Through the process of therapy, these patterns can be broken and a new and happy you can take hold. But you won't feel better without first understanding what makes you do the things you do. I do zoom, phone and in-person sessions. I look forward to speaking with you!
(424) 265-9562 View (424) 265-9562
Photo of Jesse Ryan Bashem, Psychologist in Camarillo, CA
Jesse Ryan Bashem
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Moorpark, CA 93021  (Online Only)
I work best with patient's who are interested in becoming more self-aware, are inherently motivated for treatment (i.e., not forced), curious about exploring new ways of thinking about their thinking & experiencing emotions, and understanding the intricacies of the machinery operating in their head. I tend to take a technically integrative therapeutic approach, formulating a personalized treatment plan and fostering action - I reject a one-size-fits-all philosophy or provider passivity. Those in need of interpersonal validation through an emotionally corrective relationship will likely find my brand of therapy suits them well!
I work best with patient's who are interested in becoming more self-aware, are inherently motivated for treatment (i.e., not forced), curious about exploring new ways of thinking about their thinking & experiencing emotions, and understanding the intricacies of the machinery operating in their head. I tend to take a technically integrative therapeutic approach, formulating a personalized treatment plan and fostering action - I reject a one-size-fits-all philosophy or provider passivity. Those in need of interpersonal validation through an emotionally corrective relationship will likely find my brand of therapy suits them well!
(805) 301-1662 View (805) 301-1662
Photo of Jenessa B Nye, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Jenessa B Nye
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oxnard, CA 93030
Dr. Nye is a holistic psychotherapist and has worked extensively with couples and individuals. She is interactive, empathetic and directive. Her goal is to help client's find meaning in their pain, gain personal insight, make healthy life decisions and new methods for living. Dr. Nye has a compassionate, yet straightforward approach. Depending on her client's needs she helps them develop understanding regarding the origin of their pain then focuses on solution strategies. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). EMDR can be used for trauma, accidents, loss, anxiety, negative beliefs, physical symptoms, and painful memories.
Dr. Nye is a holistic psychotherapist and has worked extensively with couples and individuals. She is interactive, empathetic and directive. Her goal is to help client's find meaning in their pain, gain personal insight, make healthy life decisions and new methods for living. Dr. Nye has a compassionate, yet straightforward approach. Depending on her client's needs she helps them develop understanding regarding the origin of their pain then focuses on solution strategies. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). EMDR can be used for trauma, accidents, loss, anxiety, negative beliefs, physical symptoms, and painful memories.
(805) 467-6011 View (805) 467-6011
Photo of Katelyn P. Scanlon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Katelyn P. Scanlon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
When life is overwhelming or you feel stuck, I can help you move toward self-management, joy and purpose. In a comfortable, positive and safe environment, I help couples learn to communicate gently and openly so that they can enjoy a deeply connected relationship. I help parents and teens to adjust, team-up and learn to talk to one another through life's biggest hurdles. Let's create a plan and execute it, moving from self-doubt to confidence, from anger to understanding and freedom, and from anxiety to peace of mind.
When life is overwhelming or you feel stuck, I can help you move toward self-management, joy and purpose. In a comfortable, positive and safe environment, I help couples learn to communicate gently and openly so that they can enjoy a deeply connected relationship. I help parents and teens to adjust, team-up and learn to talk to one another through life's biggest hurdles. Let's create a plan and execute it, moving from self-doubt to confidence, from anger to understanding and freedom, and from anxiety to peace of mind.
(408) 645-6944 View (408) 645-6944

Online Therapists

Photo of Kris Winslow, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Kris Winslow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90302  (Online Only)
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
(323) 973-2279 View (323) 973-2279
Photo of Renee Michelle Ward, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Renee Michelle Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92604  (Online Only)
Greetings! My name is Renee and I'm a licensed clinical social worker. We spend too much time feeling as though we're not good enough or can't achieve our dreams. How we think about ourselves and our environment directly determines how we feel. As a therapist I have had the opportunity to work with clients looking for guidance and relief in many areas such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, ADHD symptoms, life transitions, body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. Please contact me for a 15 min free consultation to see if we are a good fit. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Greetings! My name is Renee and I'm a licensed clinical social worker. We spend too much time feeling as though we're not good enough or can't achieve our dreams. How we think about ourselves and our environment directly determines how we feel. As a therapist I have had the opportunity to work with clients looking for guidance and relief in many areas such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, ADHD symptoms, life transitions, body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. Please contact me for a 15 min free consultation to see if we are a good fit. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
(714) 586-8678 View (714) 586-8678
Photo of Linda Fujino, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Linda Fujino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Whether you are looking to end an addiction, process complex trauma and shame, or overcome your self-limiting beliefs I am here to help. My extensive experience in the field, as well as my own personal work has led me to the understanding that there is a way out. I treat those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, grief/loss, children of addict/alcoholics, borderline personality, betrayal trauma, sex/porn addiction, and other issues. Through the therapeutic process I can help you to better understand what you have been through and how to overcome your current struggles to live your fullest, best life.
Whether you are looking to end an addiction, process complex trauma and shame, or overcome your self-limiting beliefs I am here to help. My extensive experience in the field, as well as my own personal work has led me to the understanding that there is a way out. I treat those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, grief/loss, children of addict/alcoholics, borderline personality, betrayal trauma, sex/porn addiction, and other issues. Through the therapeutic process I can help you to better understand what you have been through and how to overcome your current struggles to live your fullest, best life.
(310) 928-2382 View (310) 928-2382
Photo of Janice Ciccarelli, Psychologist in Camarillo, CA
Janice Ciccarelli
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Claremont, CA 91711  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who are dealing with various life issues that may include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, self harm, trauma, insomnia, women's issues, men's issues, physical illness, academic problems, attention deficits and parenting skills. I also treat individuals who have serious mental illness such as psychotic and bipolar disorders. I work with individuals, couples and families.
I work with individuals who are dealing with various life issues that may include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, self harm, trauma, insomnia, women's issues, men's issues, physical illness, academic problems, attention deficits and parenting skills. I also treat individuals who have serious mental illness such as psychotic and bipolar disorders. I work with individuals, couples and families.
(909) 295-7811 View (909) 295-7811
Photo of Dr. Cassidy Blair, Psychologist in Camarillo, CA
Dr. Cassidy Blair
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
(424) 888-6124 View (424) 888-6124
Photo of Dr. Terri Thomas, Counselor in Camarillo, CA
Dr. Terri Thomas
Counselor, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Hesperia, CA 92345
I provide care to individuals, couples, and families who have found themselves in need of making adjustments in their lives or wanting to learn more about a mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, obsessive behaviors, substance/alcohol issues, schizophrenia, personality issues, marital problems, or parent/child issues.
Life throws many challenges our way and we choose which action to take in responding to those challenges. I've worked with people from various social, political, and ethnic backgrounds and the one thing that everyone has in common is that we all face challenges in life. There are numerous reasons that people seek mental health professionals, and those reasons are very personal and unique to each person. Finding the right professional to guide you in learning more about your mental health diagnosis, getting you through an immediate crisis, or feelings of uncertainty are important in getting you through tough times.
I provide care to individuals, couples, and families who have found themselves in need of making adjustments in their lives or wanting to learn more about a mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, obsessive behaviors, substance/alcohol issues, schizophrenia, personality issues, marital problems, or parent/child issues.
Life throws many challenges our way and we choose which action to take in responding to those challenges. I've worked with people from various social, political, and ethnic backgrounds and the one thing that everyone has in common is that we all face challenges in life. There are numerous reasons that people seek mental health professionals, and those reasons are very personal and unique to each person. Finding the right professional to guide you in learning more about your mental health diagnosis, getting you through an immediate crisis, or feelings of uncertainty are important in getting you through tough times.
(760) 853-5086 View (760) 853-5086
Photo of Nicole Pascavis, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Camarillo, CA
Nicole Pascavis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
I support clients through self-discovery, major life transitions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family challenges, and more with insightful care.
I work with adults, children, couples, and families confronting a wide range of mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges. These can range from major symptom and conflict management to a desire for greater meaning, balance, self-love, and mental clarity. Some goals we build toward together may include: self-understanding and a sense of wholeness; helping you become your own best ally in health and life; healthy relationships and support systems; improved self-esteem; identifying and communicating needs and feelings effectively; and greater creativity and empowerment in crafting your own life and story.
I support clients through self-discovery, major life transitions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family challenges, and more with insightful care.
I work with adults, children, couples, and families confronting a wide range of mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges. These can range from major symptom and conflict management to a desire for greater meaning, balance, self-love, and mental clarity. Some goals we build toward together may include: self-understanding and a sense of wholeness; helping you become your own best ally in health and life; healthy relationships and support systems; improved self-esteem; identifying and communicating needs and feelings effectively; and greater creativity and empowerment in crafting your own life and story.
(323) 210-3760 View (323) 210-3760
Photo of David Ibrahim, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Camarillo, CA
David Ibrahim
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LMFT, LAADC , E500RYT, EMDR, ISTDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92606
Do you wonder if you’re an addict, maybe not? I provide assessments and interventions for addiction. I’ve worked with famous actors, directors, major league athletes, scholars, scientists, studio executives, engineers, Hip Hop moguls and successful individuals. I specialize in trauma and addiction. I deal with issues such as controlled drinking, sobriety, relationship, couple's or family issues, Court, incest survivor trauma, and addiction issues. I'm also a LMFT, and Yoga and Meditation Therapist and EMDR Therapist which gives me a unique ability to help my patients integrate in their bodies emotionally and mentally.
Do you wonder if you’re an addict, maybe not? I provide assessments and interventions for addiction. I’ve worked with famous actors, directors, major league athletes, scholars, scientists, studio executives, engineers, Hip Hop moguls and successful individuals. I specialize in trauma and addiction. I deal with issues such as controlled drinking, sobriety, relationship, couple's or family issues, Court, incest survivor trauma, and addiction issues. I'm also a LMFT, and Yoga and Meditation Therapist and EMDR Therapist which gives me a unique ability to help my patients integrate in their bodies emotionally and mentally.
(323) 531-5725 View (323) 531-5725
Photo of LBC Wellness, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
LBC Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
Are you happy? You certainly deserve to be. If your past and/or current life events prevent you from living the life you want, reach out to us today and let's see if we can help. We are a group practice comprised of both licensed clinicians and associates with eclectic backgrounds. We're dedicated to helping the lives of those in our community. We work with adolescents (12+), adults, and those in the LGBT community too, and we work with many different mental health issues. Our style is warm, inviting, collaborative, and judgement free. 100% virtual. We accept medi-cal that's managed by MHN/Healthnet but no other medi-cal plan.
Are you happy? You certainly deserve to be. If your past and/or current life events prevent you from living the life you want, reach out to us today and let's see if we can help. We are a group practice comprised of both licensed clinicians and associates with eclectic backgrounds. We're dedicated to helping the lives of those in our community. We work with adolescents (12+), adults, and those in the LGBT community too, and we work with many different mental health issues. Our style is warm, inviting, collaborative, and judgement free. 100% virtual. We accept medi-cal that's managed by MHN/Healthnet but no other medi-cal plan.
(562) 414-5656 View (562) 414-5656
Barbara Ferrari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Barbara Ferrari, LMFT is a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist with over thirty years of experience treating mental health issues and working with the dual diagnosed population. My professional services, which operate in a philosophy of hope, optimism, and belief in the benefits of patient and professional counseling, center on creating personalized strategies that encourage growth and healing in the individual, family unit, and community as a whole.
Barbara Ferrari, LMFT is a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist with over thirty years of experience treating mental health issues and working with the dual diagnosed population. My professional services, which operate in a philosophy of hope, optimism, and belief in the benefits of patient and professional counseling, center on creating personalized strategies that encourage growth and healing in the individual, family unit, and community as a whole.
(661) 373-6923 View (661) 373-6923
Photo of Taylor Barragan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Taylor Barragan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MN, LMFT, PMH-C, CLC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Anaheim, CA 92805  (Online Only)
Clients work with me when they want to get to the root of their emotions, experiences, and symptoms. I balance providing enough space for processing and “getting it all out" while being honest, direct, and forthright. If asked, "what do you think?" I won't shy away from providing you with my honest insights. I am a therapist who will give you direct feedback based on what I’ve deeply learned about you through our work together and evidence-based research.
Clients work with me when they want to get to the root of their emotions, experiences, and symptoms. I balance providing enough space for processing and “getting it all out" while being honest, direct, and forthright. If asked, "what do you think?" I won't shy away from providing you with my honest insights. I am a therapist who will give you direct feedback based on what I’ve deeply learned about you through our work together and evidence-based research.
(714) 881-5639 View (714) 881-5639
Photo of Dr. Jeff J. Rocker, Counselor in Camarillo, CA
Dr. Jeff J. Rocker
Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90017
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
(562) 685-9636 View (562) 685-9636
Photo of Center For Integrated Care, Marriage & Family Therapist in Camarillo, CA
Center For Integrated Care
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mission Hills, CA 91345  (Online Only)
Center for Integrated Care focuses on one's psychological, social-emotional, and mental well being. Our services are centered around client's needs, where change occurs naturally, genuinely. We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We welcome all those who are needing a lift from their problems and strenuous life situations. We are a team of Licensed Clinicians and Associate MFT And ASW with specialty in working with children and adults. If you just need short term therapy to get over a pressing issue or long term therapy to process and maintain mental health well being we are here for you.
Center for Integrated Care focuses on one's psychological, social-emotional, and mental well being. Our services are centered around client's needs, where change occurs naturally, genuinely. We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We welcome all those who are needing a lift from their problems and strenuous life situations. We are a team of Licensed Clinicians and Associate MFT And ASW with specialty in working with children and adults. If you just need short term therapy to get over a pressing issue or long term therapy to process and maintain mental health well being we are here for you.
(818) 696-5655 View (818) 696-5655
Bipolar Disorder Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.

What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?

Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.

What kinds of problems does therapy help with?

Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.

What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?

Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.